In the lead up to World Alzheimer’s Day, Alzheimer’s Research UK has announced new investment in its research network across the UK, including a centre of scientific excellence in the South West, which will involve scientists from Exeter and Plymouth universities.

The news has been welcomed by Liz Ayre, who lost husband Mike to the disease last year.

She said: “Mike was only 46 when he was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s in 2008 – it was a terrible shock for us and our two daughters.

“Although he was quite active at first he rapidly deteriorated. The clever, quiet man we knew needed help with most everyday things – he couldn’t button his shirts, he couldn’t clean his teeth and his behaviour became increasingly disturbing.

“It broke our hearts when he needed 24-hour care in a nursing home.

“We wanted to shout from the rooftops that more money is needed for research to find new treatments.

“I’m so delighted to hear more funding is being made available for Alzheimer’s Research UK’s research experts here in the South West.”